Perugia is the capital city of the region of Umbria in central Italy, near the Tiber River, and the capital of the province of Perugia. The city is a notable artistic center of Italy. The town got its nickname from the famous painter Pietro Vannucci, called Perugino, who decorated with a beautiful series of frescos the local Sala Del Cambio; eight of his pictures can also be admired in the National Gallery of Umbria. Perugia has become famous for chocolate, mostly because of a single firm, Perugina, who’s Baci (kisses) are widely exported. Perugia chocolate is very popular in Italy, and the city hosts a chocolate festival in October every year. The city welcomes thousands of tourists all year long, which is why they have developed a huge lodging infrastructure which includes accommodations such as Perugia vacation rentals, hotels, Perugia vacation homes and Bed & Breakfasts.

Vacations in Perugia are the most picturesque. Buitoni, the pasta people, have big work and Italy's best chocolate, Perugino, is made here. In the summer, there is at least a day's worth of good sightseeing, and it is a great place to base yourself in one of its Perugia short term rentals if you want to explore the surrounding area: it has big-city amenities and trains run out to all the major highlights, complemented by fast new roads and an extensive bus network.

The town's main summer attraction is Umbria Jazz, Italy's foremost jazz event, whose line-ups may well tempt you into staying; past attending stars have included Sting, Stan Getz, Gil Evans and Wynton Marsalis. Reserve a Perugia holiday rental or Perugia vacation rental well in advance to make sure you find a place. The presence of the Università Italiana per Stranieri (the Italian University for Foreigners) is another plus. Set up by Mussolini to improve the image of Italy abroad, it is now run as a private concern and gives the town a welcome dash of style and an unexpected cosmopolitan flavor. The big state university also means there is an above-average number of films, concerts and miscellaneous cultural events, which can be somewhat lacking the rest of the region.